How to Avoid Schemers When Giving to Charities

71

By prettydarkhorse

How to Avoid Schemers When Giving to Charities

People nowadays are becoming more intelligent specially schemers. Usually they take their chances when tragedy strikes like the Haiti tragedy and play on peoples emotions which are specially high during the times that they are willing to give and shell out something to help the people who are stricken by the tragedy. It is during disasters that the schemers are also very active because when you really want to help you might be willing to help in a jiffy and then at the spur of the moment you just give to “so called” charities without even checking if they are indeed legitimate ones.

We can do a lot to help but then it is just frustrating at times when you found that you have been scammed for the hard earned cash that you have. I am just saying that it is good to check first if your money is going to the right persons that are in need of help.

 

Giving to charities is easier as it does these days too, there are ways to make your share like:

  • Internet - most of the biggest charities working for children, housing, humanitarian, elderly etc have websites. Some big ones are already operational with the longest time in operations like 100 years or so
  • Personal approach by phone or house to house campaign --- they can be very wise these days as they also call people in their homes and asking for donations for the local firemen or police stations etc or for any cause within the locality
  • Texting a certain number -- when you are requested to text a certain number and then give your donations
  • Tables at the mall, groceries etc -- When you are at the mall and then some tables are located on the side or when you go to grocery stores, there are some big bowl for donations.
  • Organizations in which you are a member: Some officials of organizations requests for the members to share some if they are willing to give

When giving in to charities there are some things that you need to consider whether you need to donate to a particular charity or not:

Are they legitimate ones? How do you know if they are legitimate ones?

  • Check with the charity office of your locality of indeed the organization is a valid one, yes organization not individual. You need to get informations like name, address, and phone number of the charity -- and whether or not it is registered, if it is, just get the registration number.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Dropping off a donation at a charity directly, rather than going through a "middle man" who claims to be collecting on its behalf is good too.
  • If somebody approach you by phone or personal asking money that is already a sign that something is wrong, they you need to verify first, but if they are your friends or relatives still you need to check if it is a scam or not.
  • Don’t send out personal money or cash to anybody, send check with the organizations name on it and copy the check you sent
  • Don’t divulge your bank account number (check number, etc) or any information pertaining to your bank accounts
  • They can use email too, but usually the legitimate ones don’t email individuals, most often that not, personal emails asking for donations are spams, except of course if the sender is a known person to you. Still you need to verify it first.
  • Be very careful when giving your credit card information as you might be in for identity theft
  • Don’t click on any spam in your computer and asking you to state your personal information, you are inviting yourself to phising etc.
  • The FBI is urging people to also be skeptical of people claiming to be survivors or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking Web sites too. (I saw this in CNN the other day)
  • Be very wary of the guilt trip when they asked your donations, just give in what you can, no minimum needed.
  • Always get a receipt of the names of the charity on it.

You might say, well, nothing is certain when you are donating but you can actually put the money or goods you are donating into proper use and in helping those who really need it by being cautious and checking it first.

MS. CHARITY HODGES
MS. CHARITY HODGES

Comments

manlypoetryman profile image

manlypoetryman 2 years ago

Hey PDH: Thanks for the good tips on being careful where we donate...I will pay closer attention next time...What'd you say that Ms. Charity Hodges needed...I'm ready to help...Ha!

BkCreative profile image

BkCreative Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

Thanks Maita - we need these reminders. We want to make sure that money goes to the right sources and not making an individual wealthy. I've used a check before but now I am afraid to because now my bank account info is out there. So last time I used my credit care - of course this can be abused too, but at least my personal bank account is not going to be looted and I have some recourse - in forcing the credit card company to fight for me.

It just never ends - but better to be educated. Thanks.

febriedethan profile image

febriedethan 2 years ago

Thank you for these tips, it will help me a lot to make the donations. My prayer for the Haiti's victims. God Bless Haiti.

Tammy Lochmann profile image

Tammy Lochmann Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Great Information Maita, I will definitely beware. The pic on the end there made me LOL....

nanospeck profile image

nanospeck Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Superb insights darkhorse.. thankyou! The pic sure makes me lol :P

carolina muscle profile image

carolina muscle Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

Now that's my idea of charity!!! LOL

hypnodude profile image

hypnodude 2 years ago

Great hub Maita full of useful information. Very well done, those scammers are everywhere, strict relatives of grave robbers. Thumb up.

RevLady profile image

RevLady Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Thanks Maita, I appreciate your taking the time to provide this valuable information that reminds us to stay alert when making donations. There are so many scammers who only care about themselves at the expense of suffering humanity.

Forever His,

Micky Dee profile image

Micky Dee Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

What's that picture of my girlfriend doing here? I guess that's a charity most men can sink their teeth into!

Pretty is as pretty does. Charity is as Charity does. Thanks Maita

uliveulearn profile image

uliveulearn 2 years ago

Good reminders. We certainly want the much needed relief money to get to the right place.

Hello, hello, profile image

Hello, hello, 2 years ago

What charity does that lady run? hahaha Thanks for the tips.

ehern33 profile image

ehern33 2 years ago

This is almost an X-Rated Hub!!.. LOl Great tips and a nice ending to it. You always make things interesting.

Dave Mathews profile image

Dave Mathews Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

WOW! Maita great advice thankyou.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey Dave, thanks for dropping by, is the wow, for Ms Charity? Hehe, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hmmm, manly, why Ms Charity only hehe, thanks, LOL, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Ms Carolyn, yes it is really good to be educated specially we wanted to be sure money is going to the right persons who are in need, I am glad you are also giving already, kudos to you BK, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Ms febrie, I also read your hubs and thnaks for that too, thanks for dropping by again, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

oh Ms Tammy, you smiled hehe, did you decide to donate because already of her? hehe,Thanks, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey nano, what about the picture hehe, thanks BTW, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey Cris, you like the pics dont you hmmm, thanks, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey hypno, I agree with you, scammers can be a relative of grave robbers, whew, how about the pics, hehe, Thank hypno, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey Rev, your right, we just be careful when reading, thanks for dropping by, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey Rev, your right, we just be careful when reading, thanks for dropping by, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey Micky, girlfriend huh, hehe, Thanks, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi uliveulearn, thanks dear for reading this one, and your comments are well taken, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hehe, Hello, the lady runs it from nowhere, thanks BTW, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey ehern, thanks hehehe, X rated little bit. dont know what she can contribute to donations though, Maita

arshumum 2 years ago

yes true, but it's not easy these days to send them proper funding who are really in need

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi arshumum, it is indeed not easy, but we can give but we need to check first whether these are legitimate charity organizations, thanks, Maita

K Partin profile image

K Partin 2 years ago

Hi Maita, been a little while hope you are well. This is a good hub and good advice. It's ashame a few people have to ruin it! I only try to give to trusted charities. Thanks K.

dohn121 profile image

dohn121 Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

I've been meaning to come over here to read this hub, Maita! Thanks for all of the great advice. I think that the worst people in the world are those who steal from others who give to charity. You made a lot of valid points. Thank you.

Charity Hodges, eh? I looks to me like she doesn't need anything :D In fact, I think she has a lot to give, lol.

Dohn

Truth From Truth profile image

Truth From Truth 2 years ago

Nice Hub Maita, It is a good idea to check out the charity cause before giving. You gave some great tips on what to avoid. I guess if you donate to charity, you should get a little charity back. She does apear to be a giving lady.

Thanks Maita, enjoy your week.

hypnodude profile image

hypnodude 2 years ago

Great pic. :)

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi K, yes, and how are you now, Thanks for reading this one even if you are traveling hehe, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Dohn, yes Ms Charity doesnt need charity, she is charity hehe, need I say more? hehe, Thanks Dohn, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey T, thanks for agreeing with this hub and yes Charity gives more, she is named charity hehe, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey hypno, thanks you like the pic hehe and dropping by again, maita

Tipu786 profile image

Tipu786 2 years ago

hi really a very informative hub bravo good work I will follow your tips while donating

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Tipu786, thanks for your appreciation of this hub, and I know you will be careful next time when you give to charities, thanks, Maita

blondepoet profile image

blondepoet Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Woah PDH if I were a bloke I'd go for Ms Charity how can you not help but miss that pic LMAO.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi blonde, yes its true, even the name is charity LOL< hehehe, thanks beautiful blonde, Maita

stephensaldana profile image

stephensaldana 2 years ago

The natural calamity gives us the whole world an opportunity to unite and face the adversity boldly and defeat it. This disaster can only be overcome easily if everyone share and contribute in this hour of need. The hub is meticulously formatted and superbly presented. Thanks a lot for providing such an useful information.

Ghost Whisper 77 profile image

Ghost Whisper 77 2 years ago

I am very distrusting of many charities-I have seen things that have been donated to "special" places be taken by employees who are not needy!!! Makes me upset. Many people give to these places to help the NEEDY-they jack the prices up so high for the furniture and special items- that needy people can not even afford it! I find myself going into these places, and because I have a big mouth at times-I get so upset-and I will say- YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME? HOW CAN SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A KITCHEN TABLE PAY 300.00 FOR THIS? WAS THIS GIVEN TO YOU FOR FREE? ughhhh I have to shut up!

I now ONLY give furniture, clothes etc to NEEDY people hand to hand. You can always find them through churches, shelters, outside on the streets.

Do you know that I almost got a HUGE fine in Las Vegas for giving a homeless man a bag full of Mcdonalds food? I saw the cop walking over to me and I asked the man quietly "what is your name-quick-and told him mine." The cop was going to give me the ticket because you are NOT ALLOWED to feed the homeless unless it is in a specific area across town!!! When the cop questioned him about my name, vice versa-we got away with it. Jerks! One day they may be hungry and should they hope that there is people who are willing to feed them..okay..I am getting off my soapbox! hehehe

That girl Charity-she should go around and collect money for the homeless-I bet she could put them all in a nice house if she did it for a few years! hehehe U SO funny!

Asifmughal 2 years ago

she is a good lady.

bearclawmedia profile image

bearclawmedia Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

Ya, Pretty knows how to sell things. I know I looked. I was of course delighted to find this wonderfully informative story. But the point stands Caveat Emptor even with charity. Thanks as always

connery profile image

connery 2 years ago

wow, great photo

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Stepehn Saldana, thanks for your nice comment and for your wonderful incite, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey Ghost, I fully understand your take, I like that you have a helping heart but then it gets problematic at times, hehe, LAS VEGAS, what are you doing there hon, LOL,

Hmm, when you write comments, cant keep up with you, hehe, you always entertain me though,intelligent and funny take on things, and yet your true hearts always come out,

Take care always girl, maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Thanks asifmughal, nice lady, Thank you, Ms Charity or me, giving you mean? just kidding, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hey bear, nice of you to drop by, thanks for your comments too, Happy weekend too, Maita

sabrebIade profile image

sabrebIade Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Adding the girl in the bikini picture...genius!

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey connery, Me or Ms Charity hehe, thanks, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey sabre, thanks dear for your comment, Maita

Kenrick Chatman profile image

Kenrick Chatman 2 years ago

Thanks for the advice PrettyDarkHorse. Why did you decide to use this picture for your article? :) It seems that 50% of the Top 10 rated Hubs have pictures of attractive women. I guess sex does sell.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Kenrick, I just want you to smile, sometimes just to get to a point I need to have pics which catches attention, it is double purpose, people will read this one and they will be informed, people also are drawn to beuautiful images,

Thanks for your time, Maita

DREAM ON profile image

DREAM ON Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

Nice hub making us all think before we give.I wonder if you could do another hub and list that some charities are honest but they take fees from the money given.Some I have heard take as much as 30% from the money.You could show two pretty girls and maybe you would get twice the responses.

Merinyu Qurantin profile image

Merinyu Qurantin 2 years ago

"what a charity!? Oh, how on earth! Fantastic ya"

online scam check profile image

online scam check 2 years ago

Wow! Thanks for the exposure.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Merinyu, thanks for dropping by, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Thanks online scam check for dropping by, Maita

ravinder_kr_51 2 years ago

i join for u

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

thanks ravinder for dropping by, Maita

Fresh_Flower profile image

Fresh_Flower 2 years ago

That picture in the end?! Might be a good way of getting readers... anyway, thanks for a interesting hub!

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Fresh Flower, thanks for dropping by, Did you like the picture, it sure catch attention to get to the point too, Maita

prasetio30 profile image

prasetio30 Level 8 Commenter 2 years ago

I agree with you. There are many people who take advantage of the situation to deceive. We should be careful in giving a donation. thanks for share. this is nice information.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi prasetio, yes the key is to be careful, Thanks, Maita

hi 2 years ago

nice bikini and exelent figure and i want kiss her every body

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

oh thanks for dropping by

writer83 profile image

writer83 2 years ago

I hate scammers!

tony0724 profile image

tony0724 2 years ago

Maita congratulations ! Your hub has a score of 100 !!!! I am so happy for you my friend. :D

Karina S. profile image

Karina S. 2 years ago

Great info and tips to avoid scammers, Maita. Thanks for sharing. And Congratulations!

Pearldiver profile image

Pearldiver 2 years ago

Hi Maita, Excellent hub and well writen on a contentious subject. Little surprise that you have gained the ultimate score with it. Well done... Take Care.

merrel14 2 years ago

um u sexy

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi PD, thanks for your compliments, I looked at my score now, it is not 100 anymore LOL, Take care too, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi merrell, thanks

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

writer83, thanks for dropping by, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Tony, thanks and how are you? Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Thanks KarinaS, Maita

Crazdwriter 2 years ago

Great hub PDH. Full of good facts and very hepful. two thumsb way up to you woman and your hub!

lovelypaper profile image

lovelypaper Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Great hub. Good advice to keep in mind.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Crazdwriter, Thanks for your nice compliment and for dropping by, I appreciate it, night, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi lovelypaper, thanks for dropping by, Maita

jacobkuttyta profile image

jacobkuttyta Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

Thanks for the nice hub.

Keep up the good work

praveen000007 profile image

praveen000007 2 years ago

ya its nice

sean.rutger profile image

sean.rutger 2 years ago

Once again, great hub.

LRobbins profile image

LRobbins 2 years ago

Great advice, thanks!

beth811 profile image

beth811 2 years ago

Hi, Maita. Thanks for sharing this great advice, dear. This is a great hub.

Securityace profile image

Securityace 2 years ago

Good advice, there are a lot of scammers out there!

wsp2469 profile image

wsp2469 2 years ago

Here's an idea. Keep your charity contributions closer to home and donate time and merchandise/food directly. Donating food directly to a soup kitchen for example will never be something yo have to be concerned about when it comes to scams. The problem is, too many people out there are controlled by the media and/or are too damn lazy to actually go and do something directly. So continue to be stupid, distrusting and wasteful OR get involved near home and not stress about something stupid like money that you can afford to waste going somewhere other than where you thought.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi jacobkuttyta, thanks for reading this one, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

wsp2469, good advice and I appreciate it,Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi praveen000007, thnaks for dropping by, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi sean.rutger, thanks for dropping by again, Maita

Lita C. Malicdem profile image

Lita C. Malicdem Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Maita dear,

You just solved every would-be-donor's dilemma on whether their donations would reach their intended recipients. Well-done hub. Could even fix to a 1001 hubscore. You're really smart at knowing what best read to offer and when. Keep up the score for so long, dear.

iva dragostinova profile image

iva dragostinova Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

Hey, nice hub and good advice! :)

livelonger profile image

livelonger Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

I check every charity I consider donating to on charitynavigator.org. If they don't have a strong listing there, I don't donate.

Rascal Russ Miles profile image

Rascal Russ Miles 2 years ago

As always Sweet Maita, you publish a worthwhile Hub. Thanks !

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Russ, thanks for the visit, how are you, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi LRobbins thanks dear for visiting this hub, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Iva, thanks for reading this hub, Maita

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi livelonger, I will check that site, thanks for the visit here, Maita

Dan Carson profile image

Dan Carson 2 years ago

Great tips especially after what happened in Haiti.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Dan, thanks for reading this one, Maita

Cheeky Girl profile image

Cheeky Girl Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Given the news that is currently coming out of Haiti, about child-napping at the hand of so-called Charity workers, you seem to have struck a vein of popular and deep felt public sentiment. I am happy to say that you have been both lucky and very timely with this hub, which I see has been rated "100" by hub pages! You deserve serious congradulations for bringing a very appropriate subject to us all at a very appropriate time, Maita. Well done on this excellent Hub. One of the finest hubs I've read here - ever.

Best Wishes from Cheeky Girl. : )

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Cheeky my girl, thank you for your nice compliments. I heard about that in the CNN news the other day. You never know actually which article may click LOL, I just keep on writing what I know Cheeky, but thanks it is 100 hmmm, Thanks dear for reading this one, Maita

tdarby profile image

tdarby 2 years ago

great hub. thanks

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

thanks tdarby! Maita

garcilazoand profile image

garcilazoand 2 years ago

very relevant, after the haiti earthquake. good stuff.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hi garcilazoland, thank you, Maita

Coolmon2009 profile image

Coolmon2009 Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Good Article and good advice; it is a shame a few scammers ruin it for many that are in need.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

hey cool, thank you and happy weekend, Maita

MyQute profile image

MyQute 2 years ago

Thank you for your article! These scammers and schemers are most dishonest.

What about these people....They continually distribute your hard-earned money to companies who make your number 30,000 cancer or diabetes drugs. Continually offering "hope" in the disguise of a pill. High-profile people who may run a marathon or anything just to make people donate. And then one day you discover, by God....these companies are so much more RICHER than you, the donator! Why in heavens are the poorer donating to the rich through these people??? Left me a lot to think what scammers and schemers are.

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

thank you My Qute, your description and comments says it all, Thanks dear, I most agree with you,

asifikhlas 2 years ago

hi nice hub and advice

prettydarkhorse profile image

prettydarkhorse Hub Author 2 years ago

asifikhlas, thank you

sameerk profile image

sameerk 22 months ago

very nice prettydarkhouse

BaseCharity profile image

BaseCharity 18 months ago

Awesome hub, and you're right! its sad that people will go to such lengths to take advantage of the unfortunes of others.

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